As a child, I was captivated by the magic of storytelling. My earliest memories involve sitting in the audience, eyes wide, as the world transformed before me on the stage. After seeing Cats the Musical, the only production that came to tour in my city during my childhood, I was mesmerized by the ability of theater to transport audiences into realms of emotion, conflict, and beauty. Little did I know, this enduring fascination would blossom into a fervent pursuit of a life in theater, where I will seek to explore the depths of human experience, challenge societal norms, and create connections between people through the universal language of performance.

Back in high school, while everyone was sweating over TOEFL, SATs, and essays, I was severely depressed. My only escape then was lying in bed alone watching bootlegs of musicals on YouTube. Everything seems so beautiful and free in that world. Inevitably, my urge to dive into theater emerged. It felt unusual, almost absurd. How could someone focused on academics their whole life entertain the idea of art school? I brushed it aside and returned to the routine of exams and paperwork. As senior year approached its end, with applications completed, I found myself exploring acting, singing, and dancing—merely as hobbies at first. However, upon deciding to attend NYU, the passion for theater reignited. I approached my voice teacher for guidance, and despite my parents' initial reservations because this field was completely new to me as it was new to them, my determination eventually persuaded them. 

Before my freshman year kicked off, I meticulously planned my transition to New York. I searched for acting classes, sought out voice teachers, and joined multiple theater clubs, all while feeling out of place amidst remarkable talents. The journey challenged me significantly; I endured long commutes, stress-induced headaches, and spent countless hours alone in the practice room, often in tears. Facing daily self-doubt was a battle. I sacrificed sleep to balance rehearsals and schoolwork, yet earning a position at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy validated my effort. Securing a spot in Emerson College's BFA Musical Theater program, paired with a scholarship, added an extra layer of achievement. Yet, this is merely the beginning of my quest for larger stages ahead.

During my undergraduate years at both AMDA and Emerson College. I honed my skills in acting, singing, and dancing. My education exposed me to a diverse array of theatrical traditions and techniques, from Meisner to Shakespeare, and I learned to appreciate the intricacies of each method. I participated in numerous workshops, collaborating with fellow students and faculty to produce engaging performances that not only showcased our talents but also addressed contemporary social issues like women’s and civil rights. I was also an active member of Boston’s Asian American theater scene, participating in new plays, readings, and festivals, which allowed me to connect with my culture while doing the things I love.

As I look ahead to the next chapter of my artistic journey, I am particularly drawn to the emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, as I believe that true artistry thrives in environments that encourage diverse perspectives and creative synergy. I am eager to immerse myself in the school’s rich curriculum that balances tradition with cutting-edge developments in the field.  I am also interested in the possibility of exploring theater as a form of community engagement. By participating in projects that bridge the gap between performance and social justice, I hope to leverage my skills to impact lives and inspire others through the arts, especially those from my hometown where theater is an obscure idea for most.